WMU football senior Paul Hazel embracing the transition from defensive end to linebacker

Courtesy WMU Media RelationsWestern Michigan senior linebacker works on a drill during a practice last week.

KALAMAZOO – Paul Hazel cherishes the moments when he can put his old habits to work.

The Western Michigan University defender has acquired a reputation as an athletic pass-rushing defensive end over the past few seasons, but he was asked to broaden his skill set and move to a linebacker position in the team’s new 3-3-5 defense this season.

The 6-foot-5, 218-pound Hazel said he has fully-embraced the move, but he admitted he still prefers to line up on the line of scrimmage with his hands on the turf and explode past an offensive tackle to get to the quarterback rather than dropping back in pass coverage.

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“I miss being in the down stance a little bit,” Hazel said with a sheepish grin. “There’s an advantage when you’re down in a stance because you get more explosion off the ball. I can shoot my hands off the ball. Standing up has its advantages too, because I can be up and see what’s going on and be able to make a better move. Overall, I like both ways.”

Western Michigan linebackers coach Tim McGarigle said Hazel’s athleticism and willingness to learn has made the transition easier.

“Paul has done a great job. It started a little slow this spring, but he’s coming through at the right time getting ready for the season. He’s honing in on it and by the first game I think he’s going to be flying around.

“You can’t just make any defensive end or lineman a linebacker. You have to understand stuff and you have to be physically able. Also, you have to have the mental capacity to be able to do everything as a linebacker. We knew when we moved Paul that he would be athletic enough and he would be able to pick it up faster than most guys and he’s done that.”

Paul Hazel

WMU’s new defense will oftentimes show a fourth or fifth man at the line of scrimmage in a blitz stance or down with a hand in the turf. When Hazel is in the down position he’s the most comfortable and the statistics don’t lie. He has 13.5 sacks in his 37-game career and 17 quarterback hurries.

Hazel at times in the spring and fall has appeared hesitant at times when dropping back in pass coverage, but Western Michigan head coach Bill Cubit said Hazel will do so sparingly this season.

“I think his drop recognition still needs work, but we’re probably not going to do it that often,” Cubit said. “We do have to drop him at times because people will shift protection schemes. The thing I like about it is that he’s on the move a lot. On run plays he’s running things down and doing it from different gaps.”

Hazel admitted his coverage skills are still a work in progress, but he has not been shy about asking McGarigle for direction.

“It’s just about keys,” Hazel said. “Coach (McGarigle) says it all the time that you’re going for perfection with your keys. Sometimes I have a little trouble with my keys and it throws me off a little bit, but I don’t think it affects me that much.

“The coaches feel like this is the best position for me, so I’m trying to help the team and I’m having a lot of fun with it.”